02-03-25 – Bishop Mark E. Brennan has made public the following appointments:

Very Rev. Justin Golna, J.C.L., J.V., is appointed to a three-year term on the Diocesan Presbyteral Council, effective December 31, 2024. This is in addition to his current assignments as judicial vicar of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston and pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Wellsburg.

Very Rev. Donald X. Higgs, Assoc. V.E., V.F., is reappointed vicar forane of the Charleston Vicariate for a period of three years, effective February 18, 2025. This is in addition to his current assignments as rector of the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Charleston and associate episcopal vicar for clergy.

Very Rev. Carlos Melocoton, V.F., is appointed vicar forane of the Wheeling Vicariate for a period of three years, effective immediately. This is in addition to his current assignment as pastor of St. Michael Parish in Wheeling.

Father Nye “Joseph” Wiley is appointed to a three-year term on the Diocesan Presbyteral Council, effective December 31, 2024. This is in addition to his current assignment as pastor of Corpus Christi Parish in Wheeling.

Father Anthony Thurston is retiring from his role as parochial vicar of St. Joseph the Worker Parish and Sacred Heart of Mary Parish in Weirton, effective March 1, 2025.

In consultation with Very Rev. Shajan Pazhayil, RCJ, major superior of the Rogationists Fathers, St. Thomas Quasi Province, India, Father Doney Chacko, RCJ, is appointed administrator of St. Jude Parish in Glen Dale, St. John Parish in Benwood, and St. James Parish in McMechen, effective immediately. His place of residence will remain at the parish rectory in McMechen.

Deacon David A. Torlone is appointed temporary administrator of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Berkeley Springs, effective immediately. This is in addition to his current responsibilities as permanent deacon at St. Leo Parish in Inwood.

Mr. lan Flores is reappointed as a member of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston’s Finance Council for a term of five years, effective July 1, 2025; and as chair of the Investment Committee for a term of three years, to expire on June 30, 2028.

Mrs. Mary Pockl is reappointed as a member of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston’s Finance Council for a term of five years, effective July 1, 2025; and as chair of the Audit, Budget and Compensation Committee for a term of three years, to expire on June 30, 2028.